The Foundation Board of Directors at Washington State Community College is excited to announce a new scholarship for college-aged students who are adopted, or have ever been in the foster care system. The Wendy's® Adoption Scholarship Endowment Fund will provide important financial support to eligible students who seek education opportunities at WSCC. This scholarship opportunity is a result of the partnership between the WSCC Foundation and the generous benefactors, Ray and Kim Blackburn. The Blackburns own Wendy's® franchises in Parkersburg, WV and throughout the Mid-Ohio Valley.

"Pursuing higher education is a difficult process for most students, and it can be overwhelming for students in foster care, who lack that parental support," says Ray Blackburn. "This scholarship is a vital resource to area youth who are coming out of the foster care system." Kim Blackburn also expresses her enthusiasm about the scholarship. "We believe it is our responsibility as a community to help those children who may not have the resources that come from a loving, supportive family," she says.

The scholarship funds will come from proceeds generated by sales of Wendy's® Frosty key tags, which cost $3 each. The key tag can be redeemed for a free Junior Frosty with every Wendy's® purchase until December 1st, 2013. The key tags will be sold at local Wendy's® and at the WSCC Foundation office.

"The Wendy's® Adoption Scholarship is the first of its kind, in the way of cause marketing, for the WSCC Foundation," says Laurene Huffman, Executive Director of the Foundation. "It aligns perfectly with our mission in shaping the future and promoting the continuous development of students." Foundation President Cynthia Pyles echoes Huffman's sentiments. "The WSCC Foundation board is extremely grateful to Ray and Kim Blackburn of Wendy's® for funding a scholarship for WSCC students through the Wendy's® key tag program," she says.

WSCC President, Bradley Ebersole, also expressed gratitude for the much-needed funding opportunity. "This partnership between the WSCC Foundation and the Wendy's® restaurants operated by Kim and Ray Blackburn is simply amazing," he said. He also expressed the impact the scholarship will have on area students, saying "Those benefiting will be the students at Washington State who are striving to improve their lives."

This is the second area Wendy's® Adoption Scholarship opportunity that the Blackburns have funded; the first was a similar fund at West Virginia University Parkersburg. "This is a model of cooperation between regional business and education," says Ebersole, "and I am very proud of our Foundation for seeking out such innovative arrangements." Kim Blackburn emphasizes the fruitful nature of this business/academic partnership, as well. "This is a team effort among business, education and the people of our community to show these children we care," she says. "I am so proud of that."

Residents throughout the Mid-Ohio Valley are encouraged to purchase a key tag to support the scholarship fund and provide vital support for students who are looking to further their education beyond high school.